Millions of Americans rely on Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) each month. These payments are crucial for retired individuals, those with disabilities, and people with limited income or resources. In 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) continues to pay out benefits to around 70 million people across the country. But how much can you expect? And when do these payments come in?
Let’s break it down in a simple, easy-to-understand way.
What Is the Difference Between SSI and Retirement Benefits?
There are two major types of payments from the SSA:
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income): For people who are blind, disabled, or over 65 years old with limited income and resources.
- Retirement Benefits: For individuals who have worked and paid into the Social Security system during their careers.
The way these benefits are calculated is different, and understanding each one can help you plan better for the future.
How Are SSI Payments Calculated in 2025?
SSI payments are need-based, so they depend on your income, living arrangements, disability type, and the number of people in your household.
As of 2025:
- A single person can receive up to $967 per month
- A couple living together can receive up to $1,450 per month
However, your actual payment might be lower if you have any income or live with someone and don’t pay your share of expenses. Any earned income or money from other sources, like pensions, may reduce your SSI benefit.
How Are Retirement Benefits Calculated?
Unlike SSI, retirement benefits are earned. These depend on your highest-earning 35 years during your working life. Here’s how it works:
- You and your employer each pay 6.2% of your salary into Social Security
- If you’re self-employed, you pay the full 12.4% yourself
- The SSA calculates your average monthly earnings and adjusts for inflation
You can start claiming retirement benefits from age 62, but that comes with a reduced amount. If you wait until your full retirement age (67 in 2025), you’ll get the full amount you’re entitled to. Delaying it even more—until age 70—means an 8% increase per year on your benefit.
How Much Will You Get?
Here’s a rough breakdown for 2025:
- At age 62: Around $2,831/month (reduced benefit)
- At full retirement age (67): Up to $4,108/month
- At age 70: Maximum of $5,108/month (with delayed retirement credits)
Each month you delay claiming benefits after full retirement age adds about two-thirds of 1%, up to age 70. But it’s important to note that spousal benefits stop increasing after age 67, so there’s no advantage in waiting past full retirement for those.
When Are Payments Made?
Payment dates vary depending on the type of benefit and your birthdate.
SSI Payments:
- Made on the 1st of every month
- If the 1st falls on a weekend or public holiday, payment is made on the previous business day
Retirement and Other Social Security Benefits:
Payments are made based on your birth date:
- 1st–10th of the month: Paid on the second Wednesday
- 11th–20th of the month: Paid on the third Wednesday
- 21st–31st of the month: Paid on the fourth Wednesday
Again, if your payment day falls on a public holiday, the amount is usually sent out one day earlier.
Why Does This Matter for Retirement Planning?
Understanding how your benefit amount and timing work helps you plan better. If you need money earlier, claiming at 62 gives you less. But if you’re in good health and can wait, waiting till 70 can increase your monthly benefit significantly.
However, delaying also has risks, like health issues or not living long enough to enjoy the full benefit. So, it’s important to balance your financial needs, health, and goals before deciding.
Whether you’re receiving SSI or retirement benefits, knowing how payments are calculated and when you’ll receive them is key to managing your monthly budget. SSI is designed to help people in need, while retirement benefits reward years of work.
Make sure you understand which one applies to you, how much you can get, and what’s the best time to claim. For most people, planning with the SSA’s payment schedule and using their online calculators or local offices can help make smart decisions for a stable future.
